This book looks at the physical and metaphorical attributes of the human body as a site of contention, politics, and cultural protest. It discusses a range of issues, from torture and moral panics to the "AIDS plague" and the homosocial subtexts of George Bush's political speeches.

This remarkable book looks at the physical and metaphorical attributes of the human body as a site of contention, politics, and cultural protest. Essayists from the social sciences and the humanities discuss a range of issues, from torture and moral panics to the "AIDS plague" and the homosocial subtexts of George Bush's political speeches. Sometimes written in shocking and graphic language, these essays embrace the notion that there is a viable place in scholarly writing for anger, sadness, joy, despair, grief, and celebration-an infusion of passion. The tradition of emotional involvement in the issues was lost in late twentieth-century academia but is revisited here through the theories of postmodernism. Trading upon the theory that good cultural studies can affect politics, the contributors to this book take on current political and social issues of consequence. Pierre Bourdieu, Nancy Armstrong, Stephen Pfohl, Donna Haraway, Toni Negri, George Marcus, and others tackle such subjects as the politics of pharmacology; women, war, and AIDS; ethnicity, national identity, and the Japanese Emperor system; the meaning of property; and the "death and sinister afterlife" of the American family. These dynamic essays go beyond examination and point to ways in which the societies they identify can be improved, rebuilt, or redirected toward ends other than power, social discipline, inequality, and violence. The intent of the volume is transformative-assuming that politics is culture, the essayists attempt through cultural analysis to offer a means of remaking politics. A compendium of innovative scholarship, Body Politics bristles with interesting information and creative energy.

The secrets of superb public speaking--based on the best of the best of Toastmasters

Toastmasters, a name synonymous with public speaking, is dedicated to developing its members' communication and leadership skills.

Now Distinguished Toastmaster Jeremey Donovan and Public Speaking World Champion Ryan Avery break down the winning speeches from Toastmasters' prestigious annual competition--providing you with tips and techniques guaranteed to improve your speaking, presentation, and communication skills. They also include a special section of insights and advice for readers who aspire to become serious public speaking competitors.

""Speaker, Leader, Champion" demystifies what makes a presentation extraordinary. This engaging, actionable book will teach you how to go from appreciating a powerful speech to delivering one yourself."
--Adam Grant, professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and "New York Times" bestselling author of "Give and Take"

"Whether you present in the boardroom, classroom, or lunchroom, the guidance will help you become a more confident, authentic, and engaging speaker."
--Matt Abrahams, strategic communication lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and author of "Speaking Up Without Freaking Out"

"To change the world, you need to lead. To lead, you need to communicate. To communicate, you need this book."
--Presiyan Vasilev, 2013 World Champion of Public Speaking

"This book translates the secret sauce of public speaking into easy-to-use tips."
--Zoe Chance, assistant professor of marketing at the Yale University School of Management